Sky has extended its satellite deal with satellite owners and operators SES Astra.

This means that Sky will continue to offer satellite TV services in the UK until at least

2029.

This extension deal brings Sky into line with many other broadcasters, like UKTV, whom also have deals for Astra satellite capacity until 2029.

Sky satellite commitment until the end of the decade also means that Freesat is to continue on satellite for the foreseeable future as well.

Sky’s contract extension ensures that its services will continue via satellite until the current Astra 2 satellite fleet at 28°E reaches their expected end of its operational life.

This is despite Sky launching is internet based TV services such as Sky Glass and Sky Stream, both of which eliminate the need for satellite reception. And the deal proves that satellite is still popular and the best method for mass distribution of content.

The Astra 2E, 2F, and 2G satellites, launched between 2012 and 2014, each have a lifespan of at least 15 years, allowing Sky to maintain satellite operations well into the next decade.

However Astra are known for reliable satellites, which often operate long after their expected operational life. At 19 east, Astra 1KR is 18 years old, and Astra 1L is 17 years old.

In 2029, it will be 31 years since Sky introduced its digital satellite service, and 40 years since the debut of its analogue multichannel service.

SES’s satellites at the 28.2/28.5 degrees East orbital position deliver a wide range of channels to more than 17 million TV households in UK and Ireland.

Nick Herm, Chief Business Officer at Sky, said : “This contract renewal provides us with the reliability we need to continue to deliver our market-leading TV offer and broad mix of channels to Sky customers across the UK and Ireland.”

Norbert Hölzle, Global Head of Media at SES said : “This important contract renewal with Sky reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest levels of performance, service reliability and reach to our customers. As one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies, Sky trusts our satellite network to provide its viewers with a premium TV experience. This extension underscores the value satellites continue to deliver in the evolving media landscape to broadcasters and audiences alike.”